Tuesday, April 07, 2009

The aim of life is self-development. To realize one's nature perfectly - that is what each of us is here for. - Oscar Wilde

We are so much the victims of abstraction that with the Earth in flames we can barely rouse ourselves to wander across the room and look at the thermostat. - Terence McKenna

Anyone who can read history with both hemispheres of the brain knows that a world comes to an end every instant--the waves of time leave washed up behind themselves only dry memories of a closed & petrified past--imperfect memory, itself already dying & autumnal. And every instant also gives birth to a world--despite the cavillings of philosophers & scientists whose bodies have grown numb--a present in which all impossibilities are renewed, where regret & premonition fade to nothing in one presential hologrammatical psychomantric gesture. - Hakim Bey

Greetings Detroit and all those who grace us here, Welcome to a new Evolve Detroit for a brand new Lab. As always, we must express our gratitude for our new subscribers and seasoned vets alike. We wouldn't be here if it were not for you!

As we march forward with this experiment called Detroit Evolution Laboratory, we continue to stand somewhat in awe of the amazing people who have come together to assist in its creation. Two weeks ago Angela, Aya and I quietly moved out of the Lab to a temporary space in Midtown. Once Aya and Angela were clear of the space I gave shout outs to our Developers List, Facebook & Twitter and we had some very skilled assistance quick at hand. In less than a week, with this assistance, we were able to turn our dream of this new phase of the Lab into reality.

We took apart a large L-shaped wall and created a new wall diving the space into a full yoga studio and a truly needed reception area and office. The new wall was created using 95% reclaimed materials. Thanks to assistance and inspiration the drywall looks so good that you'd never guess that we used sheets from the old walls! A Facebook/Twitter update also brought forward the donation of a pair of beautiful french doors that, after being stripped and stained, will be hung and complete the project. (This is a project we still need assistance with, btw.)

Evolve Detroit is a weekly, or as needed, publication produced by the Detroit Evolution Laboratory and dedicated to Health, Joy and Liberation.

Subscribers this week: 865!Please share Evolve Detroit and encourage your friends and family to subscribe.

The husband and wife team of Angela Kasmala and Gregg Newsom created "the Lab" in 2007 with the intention to share their talents and raise social, environmental and spiritual awareness. With an invaluable Development Team, a large Volunteer Corps, and the recent addition of partner Alan Scheurman the Lab is growing to meet the needs of our city.

The Lab shares classes on Vegan and Raw Food, Yoga, Meditation, Shamanism, and Body Awareness. We also offer Bodywork, Nutritional Counseling and Sustainable Lifestyle Training. We also provide Sustainable Vegan and Raw Food Catering for any sized event.

We cannot find the words to express our gratitude for the amazing people who came together and lent days of muscle to this transition. Many times, when we were exhausted from working late into the night, our friends took the lead and managed to keep us moving forward. The past few weeks have been filled with 'above and beyond' moments from people we met for the first time when they answered our call and those who've been with us from day one. We are so thankful for each of you!

The New Lab is Open!So quietly, with no foolin', on April 1st the Lab reopened for 8 am yoga! We've a few more tasks to complete before we fully realize our vision, but the Lab is up and running and it feels good to be back. Not only have we expanded our yoga space, but we are also adding diverse workshops, introducing new kitchen classes, hosting art openings, live music, and will offer open hours to serve as a sustainable gathering place. These are exciting times in the city and we invite you all to get involved in the communuty that is growing up around the Lab.

Please take us up on our Reopening Special 2 Months of Unlimited Yoga for $100!

As The Dust ClearsAngela, Aya and I have had the pleasure of seeing a great many of you out about in the city over the past few weeks. Of course, we're biased, but Aya is doing very well and adapting to his new environment smoothly. He asssited me in teaching last Thursday's 5:30 pm yoga and seemed to enjoy himself. Angela is happy to return to her yoga practice and is preparing a new series of kitchen classes that will be announced soon. She's also preparing our table and Raw Food demo for this year's VegFest and our second round of Funk Night goodies. Alan just returned from playing SxSW and is busy connecting to new artists and musicians to fill out our calendar's evening events. I'm working on a presentation on Peak Oil and Transition in Detroit for the upcoming Earthday Expo and thrilled to be back to teaching yoga. It is an exciting time here at the Lab. We're pleased to share our extended Yoga Schedule and this week's events below. If you've yet to do so, please consider joing our Facebook Group or following the Lab on Twitter. Sometime this is the best way to keep up with our events.

Please don't forget Krishna Das this Thursday at the Masonic Temple. Help grow the yoga community in Detroit!

All of our blessings to you and yours this week. We look forward to seeing you at the Lab and around town!

Lunar Cycle Art Series Opening, Thursday April 9th 8 p.m.Beginning Thursday April 9th, every Full Moon the artwork on the walls of the Lab will cycle. We will feature works that engender the Lab's mission and that will inspire our community. We consider the Lab to be a Sacred Space dedicated to the evolution of Detroit and are honored to present evolutionary art from Detroit artists.Our first Moon Cycle artist is Jeffrey ThomasJeffrey Thomas lives art. His recent works are concerned with the beautification of Detroit and the planet. Contemplative and expansive pieces touch on the organization of modern society and the art of growing. It is conscious art for conscious evolution. Join us at the Detroit Evolution Laboratory for Jeffrey's Opening on Thursday April, 9th. The night will include live musical performances by Jeffrey Thomas, Gardens & Corey & Todd. Doors open after yoga at 7:30 and the music ends at Midnight.

Free Jazz & Old Timey Music at the Lab, Friday, April 10th, 8:30 p.m.Taylor Ho Bynum/Tomas Fujiwara duo with Jennie and the Sure Shots $5 - 15 suggested donationTaylor Ho Bynum is a performer on cornet and various brass instruments, composer, bandleader, and interdisciplinary collaborator with artists in dance, film, and theater. Bynum is committed to the further exploration of the extensions of composition and improvisation pioneered by 20th century masters like Ellington, Ives, and the AACM, but with a third millennial flavor and a trickster sensibility.

Tomas Fujiwara was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts. At the age of seven, he fell in love with music while listening to the classic drum battle record, Rich vs. Roach. After two years of studies with Joyce Kauffman, Tomas began an eight-year course of study with legendary drummer and educator, Alan Dawson. He has worked as a leader of and composer for various ensembles, as a sideman, as a composer for theatre, film, and dance, and as a teacher and clinician. With "a quiet energy that propels" (All About Jazz) and a style that is "both volatile and watchful" (New York Times), Tomas' "alert drumming has propelled some excellent ensembles on the new-music landscape" (New York Times).

Jennie and The Sure Shots are an acoustic trio that echoes Country, Western Swing and Old Timey music, but has carved their own space without succumbing to nostalgia or camp. It seems nearly impossible that singer Jennie Knaggs is Michigan-bred, yet has this music in her back pocket like she learned it on the front porch of an Appalachian cottage. Although The Sure Shots are a shiny, new group, each member brings years of musical experience to bear. Their original songs sit comfortably side by side with classics of the genre, which are delivered in an inimitable style.

Please bring a rattle or drum if you have one. Journeying is often done lying down. Wear comfortable clothing, including clothing for possible work outside. Bring sleeping bags, blankets or whatever you need for comfort. The Detroit Evolution Lab will provide blankets if necessary. A scarf or eyecover is needed. A pen and notebook is recommended. Please bring a single item for the altar that will return home with you. Class size limited to 10. Cost $70. Time Offered: Sun. June 14th, 2009 from 9:30 AM-4:30 PM. Doors will open at 9:00 AM. Lunch will be 1 hour.

The classic shamanic journey is a remarkable method for exploring the hidden universe, which is otherwise known mainly through myth and dream. Shamans use this method primarily for healing and learning where to find help. Journeying is also a way to connect with spiritual teachers and guides to aide on one's path. Establishing relationships with teachers and guides can help in everyday life. Students will journey to Lower, Middle, and Upper worlds. The state of non-ordinary reality, or the shamanic state of consciousness, is achieved through drumming or rattling. Drumming is the common denominator among indigenous shamans throughout the planet to help enter non-ordinary states of consciousness. During this six hour introduction, students will learn to journey to meet a power animal, find a power animal for a partner, & journey to meet a teacher. Participants will have the opportunity to do four to six journeys, depending on what participants are finding. Each journey will be followed by a discussion with time allotted for journaling.

This class will prepare you to take other classes or simply to gain help on your spiritual path.

These secrets of yoga are within the hearts of everyone. ~Yoga Rahasya III.29

THE NEW IMPROVED LAB IS OPENWe've doubled the size of the Lab Yoga Studio!Reopening Special2 Months of Unlimited Yoga for $100!

Yoga sessions at the Lab are always dedicated to the health, joy and liberation of all beings. Special attention is paid to the act of doing yogain Detroit and sharing the personal change achieved with change in the community. Our classes are taught specifically for the students in attendance. Yoga is first and foremost about the breath and does not refer to our experience or physical flexibility. In the Lab we find common ground daily and practice from that point.

Market Saturdays are particularly energetic and our practice reflects and contributes to that energy. What could be better than visiting the market, doing yoga and picking up all your fresh fruits and vegetables?

Mon

Tues

Wed

Thurs

Fri

Sat

8:00 a.m.

8:00 a.m.

8:00 a.m.

8:00 a.m.

8:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m

Lunch Yoga

Noon

5:30 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

Doors open a half an hour prior to class and are locked promptly at the start of class! All classes begin with Sun Salutations or a similar breath and body warming flow (vinyasa). All classes are an hour and fifteen minutes long. We also make time for individual assistance and discussion after every class.

Gregg NewsomGregg connected to yoga at a young age but began his focused study and practice in 1994. In addition to asana, he pursued pranayama, meditation, tantra and more esoteric studies. In 2004, he began to teach at yoga studios and medical centers across the Metro Detroit area. Though teaching many styles of yoga, his personal practice is Ashtanga. In 2006, Gregg traveled to Mysore, India to study with Ashtanga guru Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. His time in India enhanced his connection to the traditional practice of yoga and he strives to share this with all of his students. He's been blessed to practice and study with Matthew Darling, Manju Jois, David Life, Sharon Gannon, Tim Miller and R. Sharath Rangaswamy. Gregg writes on yoga and other topics in his Detroit As A Portal blog.

On the third Wednesday of every month DETROIT ABIDES screens a movie on a sustainable topic, explores the topic at the local level through discussion and support from regional groups and businesses, and creates a space to meet like-minded people from all walks of life & grow an active, healthy community.

For this casual event, please bring a comfortable seat. Though Shed 5 is enclosed and heated, it’s a large space so bringing sweaters, blankets and friends is advised. Shed 5 is located at the corner of Russell and Alfred St. Parking is available in the lot adjacent to the Shed.

Great Lakes Bioneers Detroit, Detroit Evolution Laboratory, and Eastern Market Corporation are pleased to present a free screening of The Garden on Wednesday, April 15th from 7 - 9 pm.

From the ashes of the L.A. riots, the South Central Farmers have nurtured the nation’s largest urban farm. Since 1992, they have created a miracle in one of the country’s most blighted neighborhoods. Growing their own food. Feeding their families. Creating community. But now, bulldozers are poised to level their 14-acre oasis.

The Garden tells the story of the country’s largest urban farm, backroom deals, land developers, green politics, money, poverty, power, and racial discord. The film explores and exposes the fault lines in American society and raises crucial and challenging questions about liberty, equality, and justice for the poorest and most vulnerable among us.

Following the film we have asked a few of Detroit's Urban Farmers to share their stories with us. We are pleased that Mark Covington, Chairman of the Georgia St. Community Collective (GSCC) and Kate Devlin of Spirit Farm and FAITH Farm will be joining us. Please spead the word about this awesome event. We look forward to seeing you there.

How Do Lab Notes Work?For each dollar invested we will present you with .50 in Lab Notes good for any of our offerings. 'Lab Notes' can be redeemed 3 months after the reopening of the Lab. Lab Notes can be used for half the total amount of a purchase. The remainder of unredeemed Lab Notes can then be used for half of your future purchases until complete. For example, if you elect to make a $100 'investment' in the Lab we will issue you $50 in Lab Notes. This $50 can be redeemed for half of your purchases until completed. For further example, if you purchase an $80 yoga pass, you can use $40 of Lab Notes. Your remaining $10 in Lab Notes can be used when you next purchase $20 or more.

Purchasing Lab Notes: There are many ways to purchase Lab Notes, cash, check, money order or paypal if you would like to do so electronically. Though the Lab is currently closed we will continue to be active in events across the city, like Detroit Abides, and will be able to issue you a receipt for your Lab Notes. You can mail other forms of payment to: Detroit Evolution Laboratory, 1434 Gratoit Ave #1 Detroit, Michigan, 48207 Please include your mailing address and expect your Lab Notes to arrive within 2-3 weeks.

We have copies of Garie's book in stock at the Lab for $16or if you're out of town you can order a copy through her new web page.

"Even though our book may not be considered politically correct, it is written with the hope that some ideas that used to be called “common sense” will again become the behavior of choice. There is one rule presented for each week of the year. The fifty-two “suggestions” Our hope is that each person will use in his/her life some of these straightforward and easily applied ideas after it is understood why they are important. Truthfully, these rediscovered actions will allow us to live together in society with as little confrontational stress as possible."

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Gregg Newsom is a Yoga Teacher, Bodyworker, and Reiki Master who escaped Corporate America in 2006 to share his talents with others, raise awareness and take action on the issues of Food Security, Health, and Social and Environmental Justice. Informed & inspired by Permaculture, the Transition Movement & Eastern, Western, & Indigenous explorations of Consciousness, Gregg is in active pursuit of resilient and relocalized neighborhoods where diverse, sustainable and soulful communities will thrive.

In 2007, Gregg and his wife Angela co-created Detroit Evolution and are pleased to offer community-based yoga classes, bodywork, vegan and raw food preparation classes, catering, and community building events in and around Detroit.

“Maybe that’s the ultimate take-away from Detroit Evolution: seeing food not as a commodity but as a relationship with the earth, as an individual and a community, one not to be approached without a conscience.” ~Michael Jackman, Metrotimes